Jax teen, man test positive for West Nile virus

Duval County up to 25 confirmed cases this year

A 19-year-old man and a 46-year-old man are the latest Duval County residents to be diagnosed with the West Nile virus.

There have now been 25 confirmed cases in Jacksonville this year, with the teen the youngest person diagnosed in the county.

"It just goes to show that no matter what age you are, you should be protecting yourself, because no matter how young you are you can get it," epidemiologist Vincy Samuel said. "Generally, we see increased risk in people over 50. However, once again, it's not to say that younger people won't get it. If you have extended outdoor exposure, you are at risk."

Last year, there were 20 cases of West Nile confirmed in Jacksonville, and two patients died with the disease. A patient in Glynn County, Ga., also died of the virus in 2011.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness and is not spread from person to person. There is no specific medication or vaccine for the virus.

About one in 150 people infected with West Nile will develop severe illness. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

The Duval County Health Department says 80 percent of people who have West Nile virus don't know it, but only 1 percent of people have severe effects. Officials say testing may be beneficial if a doctor deems it necessary.

The Health Department has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for Duval County since the summer months.

The city's Mosquito Control Division has urged everyone to help prevent breeding by draining standing water. Officials there said they've seen a dramatic decrease in the number of mosquitoes since the summer, and they expect to see fewer as the weather gets cooler and conditions drier. But there's still a risk.

"With West Nile, it's a matter of one bite and you have the potential of catching it," Division Chief John Shellhorn said. "So we still tell people you need to be on guard, they need to try as best they can to eliminate breeding sites around their homes. Many of these species tend to stay near where they come off."

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember "Drain and Cover."

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.

Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.

Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least once or twice a week.

Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.

Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent.

Clothing -- Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.

Repellent -- Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.

Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.

Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.

In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.

Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skin and clothing.

The Florida Department of Health has conducted statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the website for Surveillance of Wild-bird Die-offs located at www.myfwc.com/bird/.